Fuel vaporization systems for vaporizing liquid fuel

ABSTRACT

One aspect of the present invention is a system for vaporizing liquid fuel which utilizes photonic energy and minimal thermal energy. The system generally comprises a fuel delivery system for delivering liquid fuel and a vaporization system for vaporizing liquid fuel delivered by the fuel delivery system. The vaporization system provides a vaporized fuel temperature of at least about 5 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature of air adjacent to the vaporization system. Another aspect of the present invention relates to systems for altering and controlling the chemical makeup of fuels and chemical processing of fuels and other compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] One aspect of the present invention generally relates to fuelvaporization systems for vaporizing fuel. Another aspect of the presentinvention relates to supplying the vaporized fuel to an engine. Yetanother aspect of the present invention relates to systems for alteringand controlling the chemical makeup of fuels and chemical processing offuels and other compounds.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Various systems and methods have been developed to improvecombustion and reduce emissions from internal combustion engines.Proposed systems typically include vaporization chambers used to changethe physical state of the fuel from liquid to vaporized fuel.Complicated systems have been developed to deliver the heat to thevaporization chamber. For example, engine exhaust gases, heated enginecoolant, engine heat, and electrically heated plugs have been used tosupply heat to vaporization chambers.

[0005] As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,225, a fluid vaporization systemcomprises a series of fluid inlets, discharge apertures and connectingpassages. The communication between the inlets, apertures and passageseffect heat transfer such that a vaporized fluid mixture is dischargedfrom the first discharge aperture.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,847 discloses a liquified fuel vaporizingapparatus comprising a thick plate-shaped vaporizer constructed ofmaterial having high thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy. Thevaporizer is in a heat exchanging relationship with the cylinder body ofthe engine. The cylinder body heats the liquid fuel in the vaporizer bythermal conduction.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,860 discloses a set of fittings for passingliquid fuel from the fuel pump or injection pump to the vaporizationchamber. The fuel is heated by the vaporization chamber being in closeproximity to the engine heat. Another set of fittings carries thepartially vaporized fuel to the carburetor or injectors where it ismixed with air and carried in the usual manner to the combustion system.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,870 discloses a fuel vaporizing system whichincludes a series of baffles deposed such that the air and fuel passalong a tortuous passageway defined within the vaporizer. Exhaust gasesprovide heat to the vaporizer, and as the air and fuel pass along thepassageway of the vaporizer, a homogeneous air/fuel vapor mixture isproduced. The homogenous mixture exits the vaporizer and is supplied tothe engine by way of an adaptor plate assembly.

[0009] Among other disadvantages, these systems suffer from theirmechanical intricacies. Accordingly, it would be desirable to providefuel vaporization systems that provide simplistic design, efficientoperation, and the ability to alter and control the chemical makeup ofthe fuel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is fuel vaporization systemsthat provide simplistic design, and efficient operation, and the abilityto alter and control the chemical makeup of the fuel. According toanother aspect of the present invention, fuel vaporization systems areprovided that convert liquid fuels, for example, but not limited to,gasoline, light crude, diesel, alcohol, heating fuels, JP8 (i.e.military fuel), and bio-diesel into vaporized fuel for combustion. Thevaporization systems of the present invention produce vaporized fuelthat is relatively lower in temperature than vaporized fuel produced byconventional systems. Advantageously, the cold fuel vapor requires lessvolume than relatively hotter fuel vapor produced by conventionalsystems, bringing about volumetric efficiencies in design.

[0011] One preferred system of the present invention is comprised of afuel delivery system for delivering liquid fuel, and a vaporizationsystem using photonic energy for vaporizing liquid fuel delivered by thefuel delivery system. The vaporization system can provide a vaporizedfuel temperature of less than or about equal to an ambient temperature.The vaporized fuel temperature is preferably at least about 5 degreescooler than the air adjacent to the vaporization system, i.e. theambient temperature. The ambient temperature can be in the range ofabout 0° F. to about 120° F.

[0012] The preferred system can further comprise a chemical processingsystem for chemically processing the vaporized fuel. The chemicalprocessing system can be comprised of a reformer capable of breakinghydrocarbon bonds. The reformer is capable of stripping hydrogen fromthe vaporized fuel to obtain hydrogen.

[0013] In a preferred system embodiment, the vaporization system iscomprised of a backing plate having a surface with an indentation, atransmissive plate having a surface which is connected to the surface ofthe backing plate and forms a vaporization chamber bounded by a portionof the surface of the transmissive plate and the indentation, at leastone laser source for imparting an energy beam through the transmissiveplate and onto a portion of the vaporization chamber to vaporize liquidfuel flowing through the portion of the vaporization to obtain vaporizedfuel. The vaporization chamber has an inlet for liquid fuel and anoutlet for exiting vaporized fuel. The temperature of the vaporized fuelexiting the outlet of the vaporization chamber is preferably less thanor about equal to the ambient temperature. The backing plate can becomprised of a crystalline material, for example, silica glass. Theenergy beam can be comprised of a beam of ultraviolet light having afrequency selected from the group comprising about 308 nanometers, about248 nanometers, about 193 nanometers, and multiples thereof. The beam ofthe ultraviolet light can be comprised of at least one frequency. Onelaser source can impart a first energy beam to obtain harmonicpre-conditioning of the liquid fuel followed by a second energy beamonto the liquid fuel to vaporize the liquid fuel.

[0014] In another preferred system embodiment, the vaporization systemis comprised of a misting nozzle for generating liquid fuel dropletshaving an inlet for receiving liquid fuel and an outlet for exitingliquid fuel droplets, and a vacuum pump having an inlet for receivingliquid fuel droplets being connected to the misting nozzle and an outletfor exiting vaporized fuel. The vacuum pump is capable of vaporizingliquid fuel droplets to obtain vaporized fuel which exits the outlet ofthe vacuum pump. The temperature of the vaporized fuel exiting theoutlet of the vaporization chamber is less than or about equal to theambient temperature. The misting nozzle is preferably capable ofgenerating liquid fuel droplets with a diameter in the range of about 1micron to about 5 microns. The vacuum pump can be comprised of anoil-less vacuum pump. The oil-less vacuum pump is preferably capable ofa vacuum in the range of about 25 inches Hg to about 29.9 inches Hg.Thermal energy is preferably added to the liquid fuel droplets via aninfrared energy source. The infrared energy source is preferablycomprised of an infrared laser.

[0015] These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from areview of the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily apparent from the followingdetailed description, particularly when considering in conjunction withthe following drawing:

[0017]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an engine system utilizing avaporization system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vaporization system inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vaporization system inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;and

[0020]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a vaporization system inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0021] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily toscale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

[0022] Accordingly, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an engine system 10utilizing a vaporization system in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. It is understood that FIG. 1 is aschematic illustration and some features of engine system 10 have beencombined, rearranged, or omitted for the sake of illustration andclarity. It is fully contemplated that the engine system of the presentinvention can be any engine system for which clean emissions and highfuel economy is desired, for example, but not limited to, heatingsystems, gas engines, diesel engines, engines used in boats, airplanes,jet skis, automobiles, turbines, lawn mowers, and boilers.

[0023] Liquid fuel enters engine system at point 12 flows through fuelintake line 14 to enter liquid fuel valve 16 which regulates the amountof liquid fuel entering vaporization system 18 through liquid fueloutlet 20. Liquid fuel valve 16 functions to deliver the proper amountof liquid fuel to vaporization system 18 based on the particularapplication of the present invention. Preferably, the liquid fuel ispumped into fuel intake line 14 via a fuel pump. Additionally, theliquid fuel is pumped through a fuel filter to extract impurities beforeentering fuel intake line 14.

[0024] Once the liquid fuel is vaporized by the vaporization system toproduce vaporized fuel (as will be discussed in more detail below), thevaporized fuel is fed to vaporized fuel line 22 which preferablytransports the vaporized fuel to fuel mixing system 24. It is fullycontemplated that vaporized fuel produced by utilizing a vaporizationsystem of the present invention can be used for combustion without usingfuel mixing system 24. The vaporized fuel can also be sent to a storagetank to be later mixed in the fuel mixing system. In some applicationsin accordance with the present invention, it may be beneficial to hold aquantity of vapor in a storage tank or ballast chamber.

[0025] Fuel mixing system 24 includes an air intake line 26, mixedvaporized fuel line 28, and an air-fuel mixer. Preferably, air-fuelmixer is connected to vaporized fuel line 22 and air intake line 26,which is preferably fitted with an air valve 27 for regulating theamount of air being introduced into the air-fuel mixer. Suitableair-fuel mixers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,123,451and 2,927,848, and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] Combustion system 30 receives mixed vaporized fuel through mixedvaporized fuel line 28. The mixed vaporized fuel is consumed bycombustion system 30 to provide efficient combustion. Combustion system30 can be comprised of an intake manifold and a gasoline vehicle engineto provide combustion of the liquid fuel. Examples of other suitablecombustion systems include, but are not limited to, direct burning offuel in a turbine engine, heating furnace, or boiler system. Combustedfuel exits combustion system 30 through combusted fuel outlet 32.Preferably, combusted fuel outlet 32 is an exhaust pipe. Examples ofother suitable combusted fuel outlets include, but are not limited to,condensing chambers to reclaim water as desired in military vehicles.According to the present invention, the combusted mixed vaporized fuelresults in relatively lower exhaust temperatures in comparison to enginesystems using conventional vaporization systems.

[0027] Preferably, engine system 10 also includes control system 34.Control system 34 includes a plurality of sensors for sensing data and acontrol unit for controlling engine system parameters based on senseddata. Data sensed by the plurality of sensors is transmitted to thecontrol unit through transmission lines 36A-N. The plurality of sensorscan include a fuel valve sensor for sensing the position of the fuelvalve, fuel flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of the fuel, fuelphysical state sensor for sensing the physical state of the fuel, fueltemperature sensor for sensing the fuel temperature, vaporized fuelsensor flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of the vaporized fuel,vaporized fuel temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of thevaporized fuel, oxygen sensor for sensing oxygen content, air valvesensor for sensing the position of the air valve, air flow sensor forsensing the air flow rate, air temperature sensor for sensing the airtemperature, etc. based on the particular implementation of the presentinvention. The control unit controls features of engine system 10, forexample, fuel valve 16, air valve 27, etc. through transmission lines36A-N in order to optimize the efficiency of engine system 10.

[0028] Having described the overall engine system 10, the followingdescribes in detail the vaporization systems of the present invention.It should be understood that various embodiments of vaporization systemscan be utilized to provide the advantages of the present invention, forexample relatively lower (less than or about equal to the ambienttemperature) vaporized fuel temperatures and relatively lower exhausttemperatures. Other advantages that can be achieved by the presentinvention depending on the embodiment, may include, but are not limitedto, control of the chemical makeup of the fuel, simplistic design, cleanburning fuels, enhanced efficiency, and relatively low levels ofpotentially harmful pollutants in the exhaust stream.

[0029] It is fully contemplated that the vaporization systems of thepresent invention can be modified, rearranged, or applied withoutmodification for systems for altering and controlling the chemicalmakeup of fuels and/or chemical processing of fuels and other compounds.In general terms, these systems can modify chemical compounds, forexample hydrocarbon chain(s) into different hydrocarbon(s). One way toaccomplish this is to separate the hydrocarbon into sub units andfacilitate the combination of sub units to obtain different chemicalcompound(s), for example hydrocarbons.

[0030] According to the present invention, some components of enginesystem 10 can be used in combination with other system componentsnecessary to achieve the beneficial results of controlling chemicalmakeup, chemical processing, and/or conditioning fuel. Most notably,vaporization system 18 may be used in combination with other systemcomponents. For example, the vaporized fuel produced by the presentinvention can be subjected to simultaneous- or post-vaporizationchemical processing. Benzene rings can be converted into differentchemical components without the addition of chemical heat. Non-thermalenergy, for example ultraviolet light, can be applied to benzene tobreak the benzene ring. Steam can then be added to the brokenhydrocarbon ring to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbonmonoxide. As another non-limiting example, a fuel cell reformer can beused to achieve chemical processing of the vaporized fuels contemplatedby the present invention. Examples of fuel cell reformation processesinclude, but are not limited to, introduction of steam, catalysis,controlled and starved oxidation, etc. Specifically, the fuel cellreformer can be used to extract hydrogen from the vaporized fuel orother compounds for fuel cells. Additionally, the extracted hydrogen canbe introduced into an exhaust system to burn out noxious gases, therebyreducing pollution.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a perspective of a vaporization system in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Vaporizationsystem 38 is comprised of backing plate 40 and transmissive plate 42.Preferably, the shapes of plates 40 and 42 are similar and rectangular.The preferred dimensions of plates 40 and 42 are a length of about 1.5inches, a width of about 1.5 inches, and a height of about 0.5 inches.Backing plate 40 is preferably rectangular in shape and constructed of acrystalline material, for example, silica glass or quartz. Othersuitable backing plate materials include aluminum and carbon. Backingplate 40 includes surface 44 having notch 46 which forms chamber 48 whentransmissive plate 42 is preferably affixed to a portion of surface 44of backing plate 40 by adhesive bonding. Alternatively, mechanicalbonding may be suitable for certain applications.

[0032] The cross section of notch 46 is preferably uniform andrectangular in shape for providing a thin film of liquid fuel andfocusing energy on focal point or area 49 provided by energy beam 50generated by laser source 52 on the thin film of liquid fuel flowingthrough chamber 48. It is fully contemplated that the cross sectionalshape of notch can be shapes other than rectangular as long as the shapefunctions to focus energy on the liquid fuel, including, but not limitedto, “v”, circular, and ovular.

[0033]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an alternative backing plate54 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Surface 56 of backing plate 54 contains a plurality of shallowindentations 58 of various depths. Upon affixing transmissive plate 42of FIG. 2 to a portion of surface 56, a vaporization chamber 60 isformed between the plurality of shallow indentations 58 and transmissiveplate 42. The dimensions of the vaporization chamber are preferably alength of about 1.0 inches, a width of about 0.75 inches, and a heightof about 0.010 inches.

[0034] Transmissive plate 42 is constructed from a quartz material, orany other material that is suitable to transmit ultraviolet wavelengths.Preferably, the transmissivity of transmissive plate 42 is in the rangeof about 150 nanometers to about 15 microns.

[0035] Preferably, laser source 52 is a compact structure capable offocusing an energy beam 50 at point or area 49 on liquid fuel that ispassing through vaporization chamber 48 or 60. It is understood thatenergy beam 50 can be delivered to the liquid fuel by any meanssufficient to energize and excite the liquid fuel. The object is todeliver energy in the range absorbed by the fuel, typically ultravioletand/or infrared. The amount of energy, frequency (or frequencies) aredetermined by the fuel and/or the desired amount of conversion of vaporper unit of time. Based on laser sources available and suitable for usein the present invention, energy beam 50 can be delivered at a frequencyof about 308 nanometers, about 248 nanometers, about 193 nanometers, ormultiples thereof. It is fully contemplated that other frequencies canbe utilized, or combinations of frequencies based on the composition ofthe liquid fuel and available laser sources. It is understood that asingle frequency is not required, and multiple frequencies can beutilized. For example, a number of lasers can be used to produce ablended harmonic that is imparted on the liquid fuel. Another laser canthen be used to trigger the phase change. This example is referred to asharmonic pre-conditioning. As another non-limiting example, a discretefrequency can be spread into a wider frequency range once it contactsthe liquid fuel.

[0036] The photonic energy contained within the ultraviolet light isabsorbed by the fuels to provide energy for vaporization with minimalthermal energy to the vaporization chamber. Advantageously, thisphenomena allows the phase shift of liquid fuel to vaporized fuel tooccur at or below about ambient temperature in the range of about 0° F.to about 120° F., preferably in the range of 20° F. to about 120° F. Itis understood that the ambient temperature can be measured as thetemperature of the air in air intake line 26 which enters fuel mixingsystem 24 (i.e. temperature of the air adjacent to the vaporizationsystem). Preferably, the vaporized fuel temperature is cooler than theambient air intake temperature so that the vapor does not condense. Mostpreferably, the vaporized fuel temperature is at least about 5 degreescooler than the ambient temperature.

[0037] It is fully contemplated that the vaporization chamber 48 can besubject to a vacuum to facilitate the phase shifting step with lessenergy required than without the vacuum. Preferably, the vacuum used toachieve this purpose can deliver a vacuum in the range of about 20inches Hg to about 29 inches Hg. Additionally, the temperature forconducting the vaporization can be reduced by cooling the liquid fuelprior to exposure to ultraviolet light or cooling the entirevaporization system 38.

[0038]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a vaporization system inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.Vaporization system 62 is comprised of misting nozzle 64 connected toand in communication with vacuum pump 66. Misting nozzle 64 receivesliquid fuel from liquid fuel outlet 20 and is capable of breaking up theliquid fuel into tiny droplets, preferably in the range of about 1micron to about 5 microns. Preferably, misting nozzle 64 is of theultrasonic type. It is fully contemplated that any device capable ofbreaking up the liquid fuel into tiny droplets can be used, for example,but not limited to nebulizers, high pressure misters, etc.

[0039] Vacuum pump 66 is comprised of pump inlet 68, pump inlet filter70, vacuum 72, pump outlet 74, electrical unit 76, and electricaltransmission line 78. Vacuum pump 66 is preferably an oil-less vacuumpump, and more preferably the K&F UN 810.3 FTP oil-less vacuum pumpavailable from Neuberger, Inc. of Trenton, N.J. Pump inlet 68 receivesthe liquid fuel droplets produced by misting nozzle 64. Vacuum 72 canpreferably deliver a vaccum of about 25 inches Hg to about 29 inches Hg.Due to the reduced pressure of the liquid fuel droplets and the increasein surface area of the liquid fuel, the fuel droplets are capable ofabsorbing the necessary energy to shift from liquid to vapor. Thissystem works by extracting thermal energy from the air surrounding theliquid droplets. Pump outlet 74 provides vaporized fuel to fuel mixingsystem 24. Electrical unit 76 and electrical transmission line 78provides power to drive vacuum pump 66.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment based on vaporization system 62,thermal energy is added to the liquid fuel droplets produced by mistingnozzle 64 via an infrared energy source, preferably an infrared laser.The preferred frequency of the infrared laser is about 3 microns toabout 10 microns and most preferably from about 5 microns to about 10microns. Advantageously, the infrared laser provides just enough energyto supply the needed latent heat of vaporization under a vacuumcondition preferably in the range of about 20 inches Hg to about 29inches Hg so as to keep the temperature of the resulting vaporized fuelat or below the ambient temperature.

[0041] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is relatedto a fuel vaporization chamber utilizing a cold plasma system. Accordingto this embodiment, a mist of liquid fuel is drawn or blown across acold ion discharge or cold plasma chamber so that the liquid fuel mistis subjected to an electric field. The fuel droplets in the liquid fuelabsorb energy from the electric field so that vaporized fuel exits thecold ion discharge or cold plasma chamber.

[0042] While embodiments of this invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate ordescribe all possible forms of the invention. The fuel vaporizationsystems disclosed can be equally applied to solid sources, such as coalor other compounds, and other power generating systems, such asfurnaces. Rather, the words used in the specification are words ofdescription rather than limitation, and it is understood that variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for vaporizing liquid fuel, the systemcomprising: a fuel delivery system for delivering liquid fuel; avaporization system for vaporizing liquid fuel delivered by the fueldelivery system, the vaporization system providing a vaporized fueltemperature of at least about 5 degrees cooler than the ambienttemperature of air adjacent to the vaporization system, wherein thevaporization system is comprised of: a backing plate having a surfacewith an indentation; a transmissive plate having a surface which isconnected to the surface of the backing plate and forms a vaporizationchamber bounded by a portion of the surface of the transmissive plateand the indentation, the vaporization chamber having an inlet for liquidfuel and an outlet for exiting vaporized fuel; and at least one lasersource for imparting an energy beam through the transmissive plate andonto a portion of the vaporization chamber to vaporize liquid fuelflowing through the portion of the vaporization chamber to obtainvaporized fuel which exits the outlet of the vaporization chamber. 2.The fuel vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the backing plate iscomprised of a crystalline material.
 3. The fuel vaporization system ofclaim 2, wherein the crystalline material is comprised of silica glass.4. The fuel vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the transmissiveplate is comprised of quartz.
 5. The fuel vaporization system of claim1, wherein the energy beam is comprised of at least one beam ofultraviolet light.
 6. The fuel vaporization system of claim 1, whereinthe frequency of the beam of ultraviolet light is selected from thegroup comprising about 308 nanometers, about 248 nanometers, about 193nanometers, and multiples thereof.
 7. The fuel vaporization system ofclaim 5, wherein the frequency of the at least one beam of ultravioletlight is comprised of at least one frequency.
 8. The fuel vaporizationsystem of claim 5, wherein the at least one laser source imparts a firstenergy beam to obtain harmonic pre-conditioning of the liquid fuelfollowed by a second energy beam onto the liquid fuel to vaporize theliquid fuel.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the ambient temperature isin the range about 20° F. to about 120° F.
 10. The system of claim 1further comprising a chemical processing system for chemicallyprocessing the vaporized fuel.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein thechemical processing system is comprised of a reformer capable ofbreaking hydrocarbon bonds.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein thereformer is capable of stripping hydrogen from the vaporized fuel toobtain hydrogen, the hydrogen being at least used in fuel cells.
 13. Asystem for vaporizing liquid fuel, the system comprising: a fueldelivery system for delivering liquid fuel; a vaporization system forvaporizing liquid fuel delivered by the fuel delivery system, thevaporization system providing a vaporized fuel temperature of at leastabout 5 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature of air adjacent tothe vaporization system, wherein the vaporization system is comprisedof: a misting nozzle for generating liquid fuel droplets having an inletfor receiving liquid fuel and an outlet for exiting liquid fueldroplets; and a vacuum pump having an inlet for receiving liquid fueldroplets being connected to the misting nozzle and an outlet for exitingvaporized fuel, the vacuum pump being capable of vaporizing the liquidfuel droplets to obtain vaporized fuel which exits the outlet of thevacuum pump.
 14. The fuel vaporization system of claim 13, wherein themisting nozzle is capable of generating liquid fuel droplets with adiameter in the range of about 1 micron to about 5 microns.
 15. The fuelvaporization system of claim 13, wherein the vacuum pump is comprised ofan oil-less vacuum pump.
 16. The fuel vaporization system of claim 15,wherein the oil-less vacuum pump is capable of a vacuum in the range ofabout 25 inches Hg to about 29.9 inches Hg.
 17. The fuel vaporizationsystem of claim 13, wherein thermal energy is added to the liquid fueldroplets via an infrared energy source.
 18. The system of claim 13further comprising a fuel mixing system for mixing the vaporized fuelwith air to produce a mixed vaporized fuel, the mixed vaporized fuelbeing introduced into a combustion system; and a control system forcontrolling an at least one engine system parameter.
 19. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the fuel vaporization system is comprised of coldplasma system.
 20. A system for processing chemical compounds, thesystem comprising: a backing plate having a surface with an indentation;a transmissive plate having a surface which is connected to the surfaceof the backing plate and forms a vaporization chamber bounded by aportion of the surface of the transmissive plate and the indentation,the vaporization chamber having an inlet for a chemical compound and anoutlet for exiting of an at least one altered chemical compound; and atleast one laser source for imparting an energy beam through thetransmissive plate and onto a portion of the vaporization chamber toalter the chemical compound present at the portion of the vaporizationchamber to obtain the at least one altered chemical compound which exitsthe outlet of the vaporization chamber.